[Echography in the study of sialolithiasis]

Abstract

The US results are reported of 38 patients affected with sialolithiasis of the major salivary glands (37 cases of submandibular and 1 of parotid location). Sonography allowed all intraparenchymal calculi to be detected, as well as 59% of intraductal calculi. Associated US pathological features were: gland swelling in 36 cases (94%); ductal ectasia in 14 cases (61%); irregular echo structural arrangement of glandular parenchyma in 3 patients with multiple stones. US can be considered an useful diagnostic tool in sialolithiasis, for it allows the alterations in glandular structure in the late stages to be evaluated. Moreover, it may be repeated as often as necessary in the cases with multiple and/or recurrent stones.